Hooters remains firm on opening in capital

The local franchise holder of Hooters, the American restaurant chain known for its all-female wait staff clad in tight tank tops and orange shorts, confirmed yesterday that work would resume on its first Cambodian branch, dispelling rumours that the company had pulled the plug on the project.

Gary Murray, CEO of Bangkok-based Destination Resorts, which signed a development agreement with Hooters in 2015 to develop 35 locations across Southeast Asia, said construction on a branch in Phnom Penh’s Riverside area had stalled, but would resume soon.

“We are committed to the project,” he said. “[We are looking] to restart in the next 30-45 days and open 60-90 days thereafter.”

Destination Resorts registered Hooters Cambodia in March 2016 and is refurbishing a 2-storey building at the corner of Sisowath Quay and Street 104 to house its first branch in the capital. Construction was originally slated for completion in July 2016, but was pushed back until October before stalling altogether.

Destination Resorts recently opened Hooters locations in Singapore, Jakarta and Koh Samui, Thailand. In addition to its Phnom Penh restaurant, the company has announced plans for a branch in Siem Reap.